Know exactly what you're buying.
The pre-purchase inspection built by a car guy, for car guys. Paint depth on every panel, known weak points for your exact model, and a straight answer in your inbox within 24 hours. Mobile across the Bay Area — Dominic comes to the car.
Buying, selling, ending a lease or checking a repair: it's the same thorough inspection.
The PPI an enthusiast would actually want.
Generic inspections check that a car runs. Purist checks how it's been treated, repaired and modified — the things that decide what it's really worth.
Paint depth on every panel
Every panel measured with a paint-depth gauge, so repaints and filler don't slip by.
Your model's weak points
A watch list of known issues for that exact model, checked by name wherever they can be seen or tested on site.
A body-shop eye
Overspray, masking lines, panel gaps and resealed seams — the signs of a repair a quick walk-around misses.
A straight answer
Buy it, negotiate it or walk away, with estimated repair costs you can take to the seller.
Any time you need the straight answer.
Same full inspection and the same detailed report within 24 hours, whatever the reason.
Selling a car
Show buyers a third-party report and back up your asking price.
Out-of-state buyers
Buying from far away? We're your eyes on the car here in the Bay Area.
Lease return
Find wear and damage before the dealer bills you for it.
After a repair
Body or mechanical work done? Make sure it was done right.
Before your warranty ends
Catch problems while they're still covered.
New car delivery
Check paint, panels and features before you sign off.
Four steps. Zero guesswork.
Talk to the seller first
Get the seller's OK for an inspection, and make sure the car is available for your whole time slot.
Book and pick a date
Any open day at least 2 days out, in a morning (8am–12pm) or afternoon (1–5pm) time slot.
Tell us about the car
Location, seller contact and vehicle details.
Get the straight answer
A full report with photos in your inbox within 24 hours: buy it, negotiate it, or walk away.
This is what you get back.
120+ points rated Good, Caution or Bad — paint depth on every panel, a dent and chip log, tire tread and brake condition at each corner, a full functions check, photos, and a plain-English verdict.
Dominic has seen cars from every side of the deal.
A lifelong car enthusiast and the person behind Purist Spec. He started young, flipping cars in high school, and his first car of his own was a 2007 BMW 335i. He's been hooked ever since. His work has taken him through every corner of the car business — and each one taught him something most buyers never see.
Started in high school, buying, fixing and reselling cars, and learned early how to spot a good one and a bad buy.
Learned what a car is really worth — and what every flaw should knock off the price.
Saw cars at their worst, so he knows where damage hides after it's fixed.
As a body shop service advisor, he saw collision repairs from estimate to delivery — he knows how panels get pulled, filled and repainted, and where shortcuts get taken.
Eventually started his own dealership, Purist Spec, so he knows how cars get prepped to sell — and what that shine can cover.
We come to you across the Bay.
We cover any of the cities below. Car somewhere else? Email info@puristspec.com for pricing.
San Francisco & Peninsula
San Francisco · Daly City · San Mateo · Redwood City · Mountain View
South Bay
San Jose · Milpitas · Los Gatos
East Bay
Berkeley · Fremont · San Ramon · Walnut Creek · Concord · Martinez
North Bay
San Rafael · Novato · Vallejo
Everything in a Purist PPI.
Included
- Paint depth on every panel
- Dent, scratch and chip log
- Panel fit, glass, lighting and trim
- Tire tread and brake condition at each corner
- Under-hood check and cold start
- Computer scan for codes
- Functions check: every light, switch and feature
- Interior condition
- Model-specific watch list
- Photos and written report within 24 hours
Not included
- Underbody inspection (no lift)
- Test drive or road test
- Compression, leak-down or teardown tests
- Removing panels, trim or parts
- Smog or emissions testing
- Title, lien or ownership verification
- Any warranty or guarantee of future condition
Full details in the Inspection Terms.
Pay. Pick a day and time. Done.
- Coordinate with the seller (or wherever the car is) first: confirm permission for an inspection, and that the car is available for your whole time slot
- Pay to reserve your inspection
- Choose any date at least 2 days out and a time slot: 8am–12pm or 1–5pm
- Add the location, seller contact and vehicle details
- Get your report with photos within 24 hours
Plans change? Reschedule up to 2 times, at least 2 days before your inspection date. Cancellations must also be made at least 2 days before and are not refunded. By booking you agree to the Inspection Terms.
Good questions.
Why do I pay before picking a date?
Payment reserves your spot on the calendar. Once paid, you choose any open date at least 2 days out.
Can I book an inspection if I'm not buying a car?
Yes. We inspect cars for selling, lease returns, post-repair checks, warranty checks and new car deliveries. You get the same full inspection and report.
When do I get my report?
Within 24 hours of the inspection, by email.
Do I need to be there?
No. Dominic inspects the car on site and emails you the report.
What if the seller won't allow the inspection?
Coordinate with the seller (or wherever the car is) before you book: get their permission for an inspection, and make sure the car is available and accessible for the whole time slot you booked. If the seller refuses or the car isn't available when Dominic arrives, the inspection fee isn't refunded. If the seller cancels ahead of time, you can reschedule.
What time will you arrive?
You pick a time slot when you book: morning (8am–12pm) or afternoon (1–5pm). Dominic arrives some time within that window, so make sure the car is available and accessible for the whole slot.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
No — inspections need at least 2 days notice so we can coordinate with the seller.
What if the seller cancels or I need to reschedule?
Let us know at least 2 days before your inspection date and you can reschedule to another open date, up to 2 times per booking. Cancellations also need at least 2 days notice and aren't refunded, so rescheduling is the better option. Changes made less than 2 days before the inspection date can't be accepted.
Do you put the car on a lift?
No. Inspections are done on location without a lift, so the underbody is not inspected.
What if it rains?
Inspections go ahead rain or shine. If rain is expected, ask the seller to have the car indoors or under cover. Otherwise it's inspected in the rain, which can limit the paint check.
Where do you go?
San Francisco, the Peninsula, the South Bay, the East Bay and the North Bay — see the service area above. Outside it? Email info@puristspec.com for pricing.
What is the best way to reach you?
Email is best: info@puristspec.com.